Winchester , UK - At EP China 2008 Saft is launching the company's new Uptimax range of low maintenance nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries designed to provide an industrial power backup solution for the electricity, oil and gas and utility industries.

Uptimax ensures maximum reliability, long-life and optimum TCO (total cost of ownership) even when operating for long periods at high ambient temperatures.

Uptimax features the same robust construction and electrochemistry that has earned Saft pocket-plate nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries a well deserved reputation for total reliability and long-life. However, Uptimax takes this capability to the next level by providing outstanding performance and an extended service-life - even when operating in temperatures as high as +40 degrees C.

The Uptimax range is optimized for high temperature applications, and at +40 degrees C offers an operational life of at least 12 years. Furthermore, the battery's chargeability ensures that, even at this temperature, a single level low voltage charge for 15 hours will enable it to deliver more than 90 per cent of its capacity. Also, in common with all Saft Ni-Cd batteries, Uptimax's behaviour is entirely predictable. So unlike VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) batteries often found in stationary applications, it will never suffer from 'sudden death'.

A key feature of Uptimax is its high technology, low maintenance, design that ensures efficient gas recombination, with low gas emission, well in excess of the requirements of IEC 62259. In normal conditions, an Uptimax battery will only need one top-up with water in its whole service-life.

Uptimax batteries are available in a wide range of capacities, with a choice of L type plates from 15 to 1700 Ah for relatively long discharge periods (3 to 100 hours), or M type plates from 8 to 1330 Ah to sustain loads from between 30 minutes to three hours.

The Uptimax range is designed for ease of transportation, installation and operation. Uptimax cells are assembled in blocks of up to six cells, and are delivered ready-filled with electrolyte and charged. In normal conditions, an Uptimax battery can be stored for up to two years.

Uptimax batteries are manufactured to the highest quality standards in Saft's production facilities qualified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Since April 2006 Saft has manufactured batteries in China at its factory in Zhuhai, which recently produced its 10 millionth primary lithium cell.